Jackie Collins’ funeral will be a celebration

Jackie Collins organised a "big party" rather than a funeral.

The world famous author passed away on Saturday (19Sept15) aged 77 after secretly battling breast cancer for over six years. As preparations are being made for her final send off her close pal, British actor and TV presenter Christopher Biggins, has shared some details.

“There’s not going to be a funeral. There’s going to be a cremation and a big party. Jackie organised everything," he told Britain's The Sun newspaper.

Christopher is also good friends with Jackie's sister, screen star Joan Collins. He confirmed the 82-year-old will be in attendance for the occasion, but admitted he wasn't sure if she will be speaking.

Last night (22Sept) Joan put on a brave front as she attended a book launch in London, UK. She stayed close to her husband Percy Gibson and daughter Katy throughout the evening and was able to crack a smile as she mingled with guests.

Earlier in the day she had paid further tribute to Jackie with an adorable flashback photo of the late star as a toddler.

"Little Jacqueline Jill Collins, a very joyful baby #jackiejcollins (sic)" she wrote on Twitter alongside the sepia photo of Jackie smiling wearing a bonnet.

Joan has been open with sharing her heartache during this difficult time. On Monday (21Sept) she posted several emotional tweets, but one showed her strength.

"Desperately sad today but I know Jackie would want me to be strong but it's hard to lose somebody so wonderful, so incredible& (sic) loving" she said.

Less than a week before her passing, Jackie shared her illness with People magazine. In an interview conducted on 14 September (15) she insisted she didn't regret keeping it to herself for so long. In fact she found it enabled her to do so much more.

"I did it my way, as Frank Sinatra would say," she explained. "I've written five books since the diagnosis, I've lived my life, I've travelled all over the world, I have not turned down book tours and no one has ever known until now when I feel as though I should come out with it."